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Sumter, SC – Nearly 100 children across Sumter County received Christmas presents this holiday season thanks to a community-driven effort led by the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office.

According to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, the annual “Stuff a Cruiser for Christmas” event was held over three days and focused on collecting toys and gifts for children in need throughout the county. The initiative was made possible through a partnership with BJ’s Wholesale Club and support from local residents, businesses, and organizations.

The program invited community members to donate toys that were then distributed by deputies ahead of Christmas. Officials said the effort ensured children who may not have otherwise received gifts were able to experience the holiday.

Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis praised the community response, noting that residents consistently step up when there is a need. He also highlighted the role deputies played in delivering the donated gifts, calling the outreach a meaningful way for law enforcement to give back during the holiday season.

The sheriff’s office specifically thanked Necy Bradley, Assistant Club Manager at BJ’s Wholesale Club, for hosting the event, along with several contributing organizations. Those recognized included State Tree Service, Black River Electric, and the Love Doctors Motorcycle Club, all of which donated toys or resources to support the drive.

Sheriff Dennis added that deputies were proud to take part in the effort and emphasized the spirit of generosity behind the event, saying the experience reinforced the idea that giving can be just as rewarding as receiving.

The sheriff’s office said it plans to continue community-focused programs like “Stuff a Cruiser for Christmas” in the future, encouraging residents to stay involved and support local outreach efforts throughout the year.

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Two women who worked at a daycare facility in South Carolina were recently arrested on child abuse charges, according to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office.

Sumter residents Candice Elizabeth Hudson, 19, and Denetra Bracey, 45, each were charged with unlawful conduct toward a child, the sheriff’s office said Tuesday in a news release. Bracey was arrested on one count Monday, while the teenage child abuse suspect was charged with four counts the same day, according to the release.

Both Bracey and Hudson were booked into the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center, and have been released on bond, the sheriff’s office said. Information about their bonds was not available.

Hudson and Bracey worked at the Care-A-Lot Daycare in Dalzell, according to the release. That’s at 4215 Thomas Sumter Highway/U.S. 521, which is in the area near Shaw Air Force Base. The daycare offers preschool for 2- and 3-year-old children, as well as 4k classes for 4-year-olds, according to its website.

The sheriff’s office said it was contacted by the South Carolina Department of Social Services, which was watching surveillance video from October of the Care-A-Lot Daycare for a separate case and witnessed the abuse, according to an incident report.

The footage showed children being abused by Hudson, the incident report said. That included:

Information about the victims’ conditions was not available.

Bracey was not involved in the abuse, but appeared to see what was happening and chose not to intervene or report it, according to the incident report.

Beyond the abuse, the footage showed the children were frequently left unsupervised and “were taking care of themselves,” the incident report said.

Despite the arrests, the sheriff’s office said it’s continuing to investigate the child abuse at the daycare. There are more surveillance videos to be reviewed, according to the incident report.

Sumter, SC – Families across Sumter County still have time this week to give back as the annual “Stuff a Cruiser for Christmas” toy drive continues, helping provide gifts to children in need ahead of the holidays.

According to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, the toy drive runs Thursday through Saturday, December 19–21, with donations accepted daily from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The initiative is hosted in partnership with BJ’s Wholesale Club and focuses on collecting new, unwrapped toys for local children.

Community members can drop off toys at two locations. Donations are being accepted at the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, located at 1281 North Main Street in Sumter, during regular business hours. Additional drop-offs can be made at BJ’s Wholesale Club, 1475 Alice Drive, Sumter.

Sheriff’s officials say the goal is to fill patrol vehicles with donated toys that will be distributed to families in need throughout the county before Christmas. The program has become a yearly tradition and relies heavily on community participation.

Residents are encouraged to consider age-appropriate toys, including items for toddlers, school-aged children, and teens. While monetary donations are not being collected as part of this effort, organizers say every toy donated helps make the holidays brighter for a local child.

The event serves Sumter County and the surrounding Midlands region, with organizers emphasizing that even a single toy can make a meaningful difference.

Those planning to donate are encouraged to do so before Saturday evening, as collections will conclude once the drive ends.

This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!